Referrals and funding
We welcome patients from the NHS and the independent sector and accept referrals from GPs, consultant psychiatrists, PCT specialist commissioners, CAMHS, general adult psychiatry services, drug and alcohol services, psychotherapists, occupational health physicians, self-referrals and other sources.
In order for the Priory to help treat any condition other than an addiction we usually ask for a referral letter from the patient's GP or another medical doctor. This ensures that we are able to provide the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
Due to the sensitivity involved with addictions, we do not always require a GP referral letter - unless funded by private medical insurance (PMI) - although we do recommend it. We also offer FREE initial assessments for all addiction sufferers to look at how best we can help treat the addictions.
GPs can also refer self-funding and NHS funded patients directly to our Priory day care programme.
To make a referral please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) or e-mail, fax or write to the appropriate hospital's admissions department who will then pass the prospective patient's details to a consultant psychiatrist.
In order to provide patients with help as quickly as possible, we are able to book appointments for an initial consultation before we receive a letter of referral. Contact us on 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) to arrange an appointment.
The process
Once a referral has been made, the first step for the patient is for them to come to the Priory for an initial assessment with one of our consultant psychiatrists (or therapists for our addictions or therapy programme, if appropriate) who are able to identify the issues that need addressing and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
The treatment plan may be for weekly appointments with the consultant, psychologist or therapist. For those who require a more intense and structured treatment approach we may recommend staying at one of the Priory hospitals as an inpatient for the duration of the treatment.
The length of treatment depends on the nature and severity of the problem. For example, some can be treated with just six to ten one hour sessions as an outpatient. Others may require treatment as an inpatient. Feel free to call us to discuss your patients' circumstances.
Funding
The Priory is recognised by all major private medical insurance (PMI) companies. If appropriate, we recommend that your patient contact their insurance company to check the level of their cover.
We also welcome self funding patients. As each individual's circumstances differ we recommend that patients contact us directly on 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) to discuss the cost of treatment.
Communication process
To ensure communication is effective and in our patient's best interests our hospitals liaise directly with the relevant parties involved in the patients care whilst respecting confidentiality at all times. Our consultant psychiatrists will write to the patient's GP following their initial assessment and will include a full psychiatric report outlining the patient's history, any diagnosis if necessary and a recommended treatment plan. The GP will be kept informed of their patient's progress throughout their treatment.
If admission to one of the Priory hospitals is necessary the nurse in charge will also write to the GP regarding the admission process and once again upon discharge ensuring that the GP is kept informed. Where patients are funded by either the Primary Care Trusts, social services or other local authorities we ensure that patient communication is maintained though out the treatment.
We also maintain strong relationships with the local CMHTs and accept emergency NHS admissions 24 hours a day and seven days a week, subject to bed availability.
The Priory welcomes feedback from all parties including healthcare professionals, if you would like to make a comment, visit one of our sites or enquire about referring a patient, please phone 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) or fill out the enquiry form here.